[Today the city has felt generous and not moved the cafe before they could reach it. Seifer also finds, or rather re-finds the place with relative ease. He's a bit behind Wanda, far enough she has time to order at least, though he's not so far behind her order's ready before he arrives.
Soon enough stepping inside and glancing around for anyone that looks like they might be waiting on someone.]
[Wanda lifts a hand and waves. She does vaguely recognize him from the village though she doesn't remember talking to him personally. He had been one of the men who hung around the forge with Tony, just as Seifer had told her.]
You're Seifer?
I'm Wanda. It's nice to meet you in person. [A beat.] Again.
[Ah! The raised hand confirms his suspicions that he's seen her before. They probably didn't talk, Seifer tended to sneak toward the back of the forge when people came to talk to Tony. He still wasn't great at the whole openly social thing, though his time at the village had helped a lot more than he realizes with that.
I did. I didn't know how long you'd be. I hope that's okay.
[She smiles and settles back into her seat as the waiter returns to get his order.]
It's okay to meet again for a second time. From what I remember, the village was a long time ago. [And she hadn't remembered her time in the village until she'd arrived in the city.]
[Seifer's not really one to get stuck on the specifics of what counts as manners or not. Sure he can play the part, they've all been trained to, he just conveniently forgets those lessons because they're boring and annoying. He will never be a diplomat.
Oh hey he doesn't have to go to the counter for it! Nice. He'll order himself some fancy overly sugary coffee and a pastry because it's fun to spoil yourself sometimes.]
I arrived here straight from the village, no break for me.
[He's hoping he doesn't forget when he gets home, though he knows it's unlikely.]
[She'd been thrust into a war, disintegrated and then thrust into another war.]
But it took some time to remember everything in the village. I had lived there for two years. It's hard to believe. [Wanda shakes her head.] I hadn't remembered when I returned home.
[The waitress brings over her coffee and muffin. Wanda hesitates briefly and then takes a sip of the warm drink.]
[He offers. It's probably not much of an improvement. The news brings a troubled frown. He'd been worried about that very thing. Not remembering, going back only to have all their experiences here and in the village be for nothing.
Depressing.]
Of course that'd be the way it is, wouldn't it? You really didn't remember anything?
[With that knowledge they wouldn't be able to change anything. Yeah Seifer looks like a lot of wind just got taken out of his sails.]
[Not really but she doesn't think he wants to hear the depressing details...]
And yeah. I didn't remember that I had son's or that anything in the village had happened. I lost those two years. I don't want to do that again but there is not guarantee that I'll remember anything when I leave this city. [It's all very sad.]
[Wanda smiles and shakes her head.] I know, I don't look old enough. They weren't mine exactly but another universes version of me. We still became close. They were in the village to; Tommy and Billy.
But, even if I don't remember them. I'm happy to have met them. It was worth it, even for only a few months of happiness.
[...Okay the age thing was a good point as well but he was mostly trying to figure out how someone would forget the birthing process. Now it made more sense!]
Fuckin'... time/space bullshit. Wait, you're Billy's mom? Kinda? [Oh.] I knew him. He was a good kid. Taught me how to make potato pancakes. Latkes. You know Nida?
[She's gotta know Nida.]
[His expression darkens again, and he's quiet save for a thank you to the waitress who arrives with his own coffee and pastry.]
Is it really worth it if you go back like it never happened, and for all the impact it'll have it might as well not have?
[He can't think of a reason to get so attached when in the long run they'll lose it all. Won't even have the memories to carry with them.]
Kind of. [She agrees with a wistful smile.] I do know Nida. I've been trying to look after him with Billy gone. I know he's taking it hard. I was- we were going to go shopping before Billy left.
[Wanda isn't going to mention that they were going to go shopping for a ring since that's up to Nida to tell.]
It is worth it. Any amount of happiness is worth it because even if I forget, I won't forget the way it felt. There are more to experiences than our memories of them.
Yeah, Billy's departure really messed him up. [Drunk Nida on a bender is never fun to deal with. But he understands why. He just nods solemnly at her words, expression clear that he knew what was up. Nida's his brother, after all.]
Can you be so sure of that? [He's skeptical. Without memories, won't the feelings fade into nothingness as well?] Do you think you recalled anything relevant from the village when you went back? 'Cause it sounds to me like when we go back it'll be like none of this ever happened.
[It's not like he'll be able to stop himself from getting involved and all, but still. It's depressing to know it's for nothing.]
No but I believe. Sometimes that's all we have and it can be enough. [She has to believe because life have never gave her a break. It was a stubborn hope and one that she didn't want to lose, no matter what anyone else said.]
Does it matter if something doesn't last forever?
Even if it's only for a little while. I think it's worth it.
[Pain ached in her chest as she thought about her brother and then about Vision. Even if it wasn't forever, it was worth it, even if she forgot them tomorrow. That time existed somewhere.]
You really think so, huh? [She has a point. It was enough for Squall and his crew. It wasn't enough for Seifer. Did they believe harder? Maybe they were just better at it, like everything else. Or fate and its invisible asshole hand continued on to make sure they made it through.
If they hadn't everything would be gone, so he supposes he can't be too resentful. Or at least shouldn't, can't hasn't stopped him.]
Sure. If you could remember it. All I'm sayin' is if it's like it didn't exist, is it worth it?
[He's not so sure. Not that futility has ever stopped him either. If anything Seifer's futility incarnate. He's just feeling a little depressed with it all sitting on his shoulders these days. When does it just become too much, and you finally have to give up?]
[That's quite the conviction. Admirable, really. He still looks dubious, but maybe not completely unconvinced. Maybe even, just a tiny touch of wary hopefulness.
He used to think there was a point in things. It'd be nice if his cynicism could be proven wrong.]
You sound like a storybook hero.
[The very kind he used to think he could be. Hyne how wrong he was. Her question earns a rueful smirk.]
Spite.
[It's a simple enough answer. Sometimes it's all he has going for him long term. Everything else is too fleeting to rely on.]
[Sometimes it takes one person believing in the impossible to make it possible.]
I lived for spite for a long time too and then for revenge. It took someone to show me that there was more. I hadn't thought it was possible either. [She'd been taught that she can love and that she's worth loving.]
[Nah, he's the one to be revenged upon. It'll come. In due time. They can all pretend it won't come but Seifer's not stupid. He knows he's on borrowed time.]
I know what that's like too Seifer. My mistake got many people killed and you don't have to believe me, but it's better to live for the lives that you can make better.
[He arches an eyebrow slightly, the expression on his face clearly says he doesn't believe her. With the kind of person Wanda is he really doubts she could intentionally do something that'd do so much damage.
She has no idea that he's not the kind of person capable of making things better. Only worse.]
[Her final statement only makes him look more disbelieving as he huffs.]
I ain't stupid, you don't gotta lie to me.
[It'd be a nice sentiment if it weren't patently false. In Seifer world anyway.]
[And he builds illicit weapons but he's not about to just up and admit that to anyone. not even Wanda who seems trustworthy enough but also against illicit weapon construction so... Yeah.
Somehow he does not think she'd approve of his pass-times.]
Apparently my skill set doesn't lend well to 'normal' professions.
I think Tony mentioned 'em a bit, yeah. Tell me more about 'em.
[He likes as many perspectives as he can get. Bruce also used to talk to him about stuff.
He makes a thoughtful hum at her answer. While the initial thought of "Sorceress" did cross his mind, it didn't remain long. After all... if she's Billy's mother in another dimension or whatever.]
We were a group of misfits really. Members switched in and out, Tony wasn't around much when I was there but his organization funded a lot of what the Avengers did.
We trained and we were deployed to stop those with superhuman abilities. The people no one else could stop.
[Wanda hopes that what they'd been doing was good but at times she isn't so sure. It's easy to doubt herself when the media had turned against her.
She glances up, her brow furrowing.]
Ah. Yes, he inherited my powers while Tommy inherited my brothers.
So what exactly did his organization do? I heard about the suit.. [A beat.} s. The suits. Those sound completely insane.
[He's a little sad he never got to see one. And probably never will. Which is even more disappointing. The following part did give him pause, a faint frown touching his features. Odds were they were probably completely willing participants in their missions... right? Yeah. Had to be.]
[A more thoughtful look.]
Huh. Just kinda... genetic, right? Shit, knowin' what Billy could do I'm kinda curious to know how crazy yours are.
[Or did Billy amplify it all? The poor guy had a good reason to be afraid of being compared to a Sorceress.]
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Soon enough stepping inside and glancing around for anyone that looks like they might be waiting on someone.]
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You're Seifer?
I'm Wanda. It's nice to meet you in person. [A beat.] Again.
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He nods at her observation, moving to join her.]
Yeah, same. Well, I dunno we can say we've met.
[Seen each other at the very least.]
You ordered already?
[If so he'll go get himself something.]
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[She smiles and settles back into her seat as the waiter returns to get his order.]
It's okay to meet again for a second time. From what I remember, the village was a long time ago. [And she hadn't remembered her time in the village until she'd arrived in the city.]
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[Seifer's not really one to get stuck on the specifics of what counts as manners or not. Sure he can play the part, they've all been trained to, he just conveniently forgets those lessons because they're boring and annoying. He will never be a diplomat.
Oh hey he doesn't have to go to the counter for it! Nice. He'll order himself some fancy overly sugary coffee and a pastry because it's fun to spoil yourself sometimes.]
I arrived here straight from the village, no break for me.
[He's hoping he doesn't forget when he gets home, though he knows it's unlikely.]
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[She'd been thrust into a war, disintegrated and then thrust into another war.]
But it took some time to remember everything in the village. I had lived there for two years. It's hard to believe. [Wanda shakes her head.] I hadn't remembered when I returned home.
[The waitress brings over her coffee and muffin. Wanda hesitates briefly and then takes a sip of the warm drink.]
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[He offers. It's probably not much of an improvement. The news brings a troubled frown. He'd been worried about that very thing. Not remembering, going back only to have all their experiences here and in the village be for nothing.
Depressing.]
Of course that'd be the way it is, wouldn't it? You really didn't remember anything?
[With that knowledge they wouldn't be able to change anything. Yeah Seifer looks like a lot of wind just got taken out of his sails.]
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[Not really but she doesn't think he wants to hear the depressing details...]
And yeah. I didn't remember that I had son's or that anything in the village had happened. I lost those two years. I don't want to do that again but there is not guarantee that I'll remember anything when I leave this city. [It's all very sad.]
I'm sorry. I wish I had better news for you.
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[He lets out an annoyed sound through his nose, closing his eyes. Of course.]
Figures.
[Can't have nice things.]
Then all of this is pretty pointless ain't it? [Wait.] You didn't remember you had sons?
[He blinks at her, brows furrowing. Wait what?]
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But, even if I don't remember them. I'm happy to have met them. It was worth it, even for only a few months of happiness.
[She takes a small sip of her coffee.]
Don't you think so?
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Fuckin'... time/space bullshit. Wait, you're Billy's mom? Kinda? [Oh.] I knew him. He was a good kid. Taught me how to make potato pancakes. Latkes. You know Nida?
[She's gotta know Nida.]
[His expression darkens again, and he's quiet save for a thank you to the waitress who arrives with his own coffee and pastry.]
Is it really worth it if you go back like it never happened, and for all the impact it'll have it might as well not have?
[He can't think of a reason to get so attached when in the long run they'll lose it all. Won't even have the memories to carry with them.]
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[Wanda isn't going to mention that they were going to go shopping for a ring since that's up to Nida to tell.]
It is worth it. Any amount of happiness is worth it because even if I forget, I won't forget the way it felt. There are more to experiences than our memories of them.
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Can you be so sure of that? [He's skeptical. Without memories, won't the feelings fade into nothingness as well?] Do you think you recalled anything relevant from the village when you went back? 'Cause it sounds to me like when we go back it'll be like none of this ever happened.
[It's not like he'll be able to stop himself from getting involved and all, but still. It's depressing to know it's for nothing.]
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Does it matter if something doesn't last forever?
Even if it's only for a little while. I think it's worth it.
[Pain ached in her chest as she thought about her brother and then about Vision. Even if it wasn't forever, it was worth it, even if she forgot them tomorrow. That time existed somewhere.]
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If they hadn't everything would be gone, so he supposes he can't be too resentful. Or at least shouldn't, can't hasn't stopped him.]
Sure. If you could remember it. All I'm sayin' is if it's like it didn't exist, is it worth it?
[He's not so sure. Not that futility has ever stopped him either. If anything Seifer's futility incarnate. He's just feeling a little depressed with it all sitting on his shoulders these days. When does it just become too much, and you finally have to give up?]
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[She answers simply.]
It's worth it. Even if I forget. I want to have people to love and people to fight for. It's one of the things that makes life worth it.
Why do you live Seifer?
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He used to think there was a point in things. It'd be nice if his cynicism could be proven wrong.]
You sound like a storybook hero.
[The very kind he used to think he could be. Hyne how wrong he was. Her question earns a rueful smirk.]
Spite.
[It's a simple enough answer. Sometimes it's all he has going for him long term. Everything else is too fleeting to rely on.]
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[Sometimes it takes one person believing in the impossible to make it possible.]
I lived for spite for a long time too and then for revenge. It took someone to show me that there was more. I hadn't thought it was possible either. [She'd been taught that she can love and that she's worth loving.]
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I'm not the one that deserves revenge.
[Nah, he's the one to be revenged upon. It'll come. In due time. They can all pretend it won't come but Seifer's not stupid. He knows he's on borrowed time.]
It's kept me going so far.
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I know what that's like too Seifer. My mistake got many people killed and you don't have to believe me, but it's better to live for the lives that you can make better.
[She smiles just a little.]
I know talking to you makes my life better.
[Or she wouldn't waste her time talking to him.]
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She has no idea that he's not the kind of person capable of making things better. Only worse.]
[Her final statement only makes him look more disbelieving as he huffs.]
I ain't stupid, you don't gotta lie to me.
[It'd be a nice sentiment if it weren't patently false. In Seifer world anyway.]
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I wouldn't lie and if I was going to lie I'd think of something more interesting to say.
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I dunno how. But I guess I'll take your word for it.
[He leans back, regarding her like he's trying to sort out an alien of some kind.]
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[She smiles and shakes her head. He really doesn't remind her of her and her brother.]
Tell me. You worked with Tony before in the village. What do you do here?
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[And he builds illicit weapons but he's not about to just up and admit that to anyone. not even Wanda who seems trustworthy enough but also against illicit weapon construction so... Yeah.
Somehow he does not think she'd approve of his pass-times.]
Apparently my skill set doesn't lend well to 'normal' professions.
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I didn't have a legal job back in my world either.
[She isn't a United State citizen either. So even being on the Avengers had been an precarious situation.]
Here I work as a body guard for the mayor and once a week I'm at the mines protecting the workers there from cave ins.
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[His job was legal, but it wouldn't be on most other worlds. Their world was funny like that.]
Yeah. The mines? Wait how d'you protect 'em from cave ins?
[Now he's curious.]
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[It's a little hard to explain.]
I can move things with my mind.
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[He likes as many perspectives as he can get. Bruce also used to talk to him about stuff.
He makes a thoughtful hum at her answer. While the initial thought of "Sorceress" did cross his mind, it didn't remain long. After all... if she's Billy's mother in another dimension or whatever.]
I see where Billy gets it now.
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We trained and we were deployed to stop those with superhuman abilities. The people no one else could stop.
[Wanda hopes that what they'd been doing was good but at times she isn't so sure. It's easy to doubt herself when the media had turned against her.
She glances up, her brow furrowing.]
Ah. Yes, he inherited my powers while Tommy inherited my brothers.
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[He's a little sad he never got to see one. And probably never will. Which is even more disappointing. The following part did give him pause, a faint frown touching his features. Odds were they were probably completely willing participants in their missions... right? Yeah. Had to be.]
[A more thoughtful look.]
Huh. Just kinda... genetic, right? Shit, knowin' what Billy could do I'm kinda curious to know how crazy yours are.
[Or did Billy amplify it all? The poor guy had a good reason to be afraid of being compared to a Sorceress.]